CHINA – Immigration Rules and Procedures Relaxed for Foreign Workers in Shanghai

Posted on June 26, 2015

Beginning July 1, 2015, highly-skilled foreign nationals will be able to obtain Permanent Residence status and Residence Permits in an easier manner due to new immigration policies. The Ministry of Public Security also announced that these new policies should facilitate… Read more »


CHINA & AUSTRALIA – Free Trade Agreement Establishes Benefits for Business Travelers, Workers, & Businesses

Posted on June 26, 2015

Signed on June 17, 2015, the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement will simplify travel for both countries’ business visitors, highly-skilled workers, and intracompany transferees. It will also promote investment opportunities and reduce trade restrictions between China and Australia. Improvements for Visa… Read more »


FRANCE – New Record-keeping Rules for Assignments

Posted on June 26, 2015

Recent changes to French labour law for companies sending their employees to France on assignment, under detachment status (i.e. remaining on home payroll). These employers must appoint a legal representative in France who has access to documents pertaining to the… Read more »


KENYA – Visa Applications Must be Completed Online

Posted on June 26, 2015

All foreign visitors, including business visitors, who require a visa to enter Kenya must now apply online starting on July 1st, 2015. Once the applicants complete the online visa application, they will be issued an electronic visa to print-out and… Read more »


MALAYSIA – Authorities Resume Issuing i-Kad ID Document

Posted on June 26, 2015

The immigration authorities at Putrajaya have resumed issuing i-Kad ID cards (formerly known as i-Pass) to all holders of Employment Passes (EP) and Dependent Passes (DP). Background The i-Kad is optional, and allows travel within peninsular Malaysia without a passport…. Read more »


NORWAY – Minimum Salary Increased for Non-EU Workers

Posted on June 26, 2015

As of June 1st, 2015, non-EU workers applying or renewing Residence and Work Permits must now earn above the minimum annual salary of NOK 381,000 (approximately USD 49,894) for bachelor’s degree and NOK 410,500 (approximately USD 53,727) for master’s degree…. Read more »


RUSSIA – Electronic Letters of Invitation Implemented to Speed Up Work Visa Processing

Posted on June 26, 2015

The Russian Federal Migration Service announced that they will be introducing electronic letters of invitation (e-LOIs) into the work visa process ideally speeding up the process. A letter of invitation will be electronically relayed to the appropriate consulate by the… Read more »